Sectors & markets
Learning Expedition in Japan : Vitagora & the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region
As part of the Osaka 2025 World Expo, the Vitagora competitiveness cluster traveled to Japan for a one-week mission, accompanied by the Regional Economic Agency of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Dijon Métropole.
The mission began with an introductory seminar held at the French Embassy in Japan, offering participants a strategic overview of the Japanese market. This inaugural session laid the foundation for a better understanding of the country's economic, cultural, and legal landscape, thanks to the insights of several key experts:
- Nicolas Sestier, Deputy Director for Northeast Asia at Business France, provided an overview of the Japanese market, highlighting its key features, current trends, and the main opportunities and challenges for foreign companies.
- Emilie Teruel, Director of the Business Development Department at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (CCI France-Japon), spoke about Japanese business manners and cultural codes, essential for successful professional interactions in Japan.
- Philippe Thirouard, President of Savencia Japan, shared the story of the group's development in Japan, offering real-world insights into the steps, strategies, and adaptations needed for long-term success in the market.
- Lastly, Lionel Vincent, lawyer at Lefèvre Pelletier & Associés in Tokyo, provided legal insights, giving practical advice for companies looking to establish or grow their operations in Japan.
Later on, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan organized a group visit to Megmilk Snow Brand, one of the leading players in Japan's dairy industry. The delegation visited their Noda plant, located in the Tokyo suburbs, where they explored the full range of Megmilk’s products, took part in a tasting session, and gained insights into their innovative technologies—including a unique process that prevents residue from forming on yogurt cup lids, a detail highly appreciated by Japanese consumers.
The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan also arranged several B2B meetings on behalf of two French companies, Naturalim and Groupe St-Aubin, as well as the investment promotion agency Dijon Bourgogne Invest. These meetings enabled the delegation to identify potential Japanese business partners, assess the market’s interest in high-value French products, and explore opportunities for technological collaboration in the agri-food sector.
At the same time, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan provided crucial logistical and operational support for Vitagora’s mission. This assistance allowed the delegation to focus on strategic meetings and site visits while benefiting from experienced local coordination, translation, and seamless organization of their activities.
The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan is proud to have helped to strengthen ties between the French and Japanese agri-food ecosystems, initiate new economic exchanges, and support the active participation of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté stakeholders in Expo 2025 in Osaka.
